In basketball, ball-handling is an art that separates good players from the greats. The best ball handlers in NBA history have mesmerized fans with their dribbling, crossovers, and uncanny ability to maneuver through defenses with ease. These players not only changed the way the game is played but also left a legacy that inspired future generations. Here are some of the greatest NBA ball handlers of all time.
1. Allen Iverson
When you think of ball handling, Allen Iverson is often one of the first names that come to mind. Iverson revolutionized the crossover dribble, using it to break down some of the league’s best defenders. His most famous moment came in his rookie season when he crossed up the legendary Michael Jordan, a move that cemented his place in history. Iverson’s quickness, shiftiness, and ability to stop on a dime made him nearly impossible to guard one-on-one. He used his ball-handling skills to create space for jump shots, drive to the basket, and frustrate defenders at will.
2. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is often regarded as the most skilled ball handler in NBA history. His ability to dribble in tight spaces, break ankles, and finish with an array of acrobatic shots at the rim is unparalleled. Kyrie’s dribbling moves are so polished and smooth that it looks like the ball is on a string. His ability to keep defenders off balance with hesitation dribbles and crossovers has become his signature. Irving’s handles were a key factor in his success during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA Championship run, particularly his iconic Game 7 performance.
3. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry may be best known for his three-point shooting, but his handles are just as lethal. His ability to break down defenses off the dribble and create space for his deep shooting is a result of his exceptional ball-handling skills. Curry often toys with defenders, using hesitation moves, behind-the-back dribbles, and crossovers to shake off even the league’s best defenders. His ball-handling has allowed him to become one of the most unstoppable offensive players in NBA history, as defenders are always guessing whether he’s going to shoot or drive.
4. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas, one of the toughest players in NBA history, was known for his leadership and playmaking. His ball-handling ability was essential in running the fast-paced offense of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era. Thomas had excellent court vision, and his dribbling skills allowed him to penetrate defenses and create opportunities for his teammates. Whether splitting defenders with a quick crossover or spinning past opponents in the paint, Thomas was a master at keeping defenders on their heels.
5. Tim Hardaway
Tim Hardaway’s “UTEP Two-Step” crossover is one of the most iconic moves in NBA history. Hardaway’s quick, aggressive ball-handling style made him one of the most dangerous point guards in the 1990s. His ability to change direction at full speed with the ball in his hands made him a nightmare for defenders. The explosive guard used his handles to get past defenders, either setting up for a jump shot or driving to the basket with authority.
6. Jason Williams (White Chocolate)
Jason Williams, also known as “White Chocolate,” brought flash and flair to ball handling. His streetball style, combined with his creative passes and crossovers, made him a fan favorite. Williams’ highlight reel is filled with dazzling dribble moves, behind-the-back passes, and no-look assists that left defenders and fans in awe. He was never afraid to take risks with the ball, and while that occasionally led to turnovers, it also produced some of the most memorable plays in NBA history.
7. Chris Paul
Chris Paul is one of the most fundamentally sound point guards in NBA history. His ball-handling is precise and efficient, and he uses it to control the pace of the game. Paul’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions with the ball in his hands makes him one of the best floor generals the NBA has ever seen. His handles allow him to navigate pick-and-rolls, break down defenders, and create high-percentage shots for himself and his teammates. Paul’s consistency and ability to take care of the ball have been key to his long and successful career.
8. Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford might be the most underrated ball handler in NBA history. His ability to perform dazzling crossovers and behind-the-back dribbles, often followed by a step-back jumper, made him a nightmare to guard. Crawford’s creativity with the ball was unmatched, and he used his dribbling to create his own shot with ease. He was known for his signature move, the “shake and bake,” which left defenders stumbling in his wake.
Conclusion
Ball-handling in basketball is much more than just dribbling; it’s about control, finesse, and the ability to make defenders react to every movement. Players like Allen Iverson, Kyrie Irving, and Stephen Curry have made their mark as some of the greatest ball handlers in NBA history by mastering the art of the dribble. These players used their exceptional skills to create opportunities not only for themselves but also for their teammates, cementing their legacies as some of the best to ever play the game. Their influence continues to inspire future generations of ball handlers, ensuring that the art of dribbling remains at the core of basketball excellence.